colourQ ROYAL COURT DESIGN TEAM

12.15.2016

Thank you so much for stopping by. Christmas is almost here, and this is probably one of the darkest seasons for me, and much of my family. It's been difficult to concentrate on so many levels. I am sincerely sorry for the challenge being so abandoned like this... but honestly, I have had nothing left at the end of each day to even think of logging on to my computer.

My grandmother passed away the Sunday before Thanksgiving, just when we thought things were looking up. She and my grandfather were married for 64 years. He is 91, and they were always together. I can't imagine the loss he feels. My mother was with her at the time, and her sadness is at a depth I've never seen. I try to help, and try to comfort, but I don't always feel I am. Telling the kids was the hardest thing I think I have ever done.

My 15 year old bird, Kiwi, passed away the next Sunday. He was family, too! I will miss his crazy call of the Amazon, and his little chirping at the birds outside on the windchime hanger.

The very next Sunday, Jeff's father passed away unexpectedly. Jeff drove the 13 hours to Virginia to help clear his things and put him to rest without us. I was terrified he wouldn't make it back, but some of that could have been my delirium from strep, Yes, that's right, throughout all this the kids were sick a day or two each week for three weeks in a row, then Maisie got strep, and then I got it around the time Jeff left. Good news is he made it back yesterday (and made me go to the doctor today!). His dad had our Christmas card ready to go. And instead of signing his name, and a short message of love, he actually wrote a personal note to each of us. Like he knew.

So it's Christmas. I am trying to make it as normal as usual. But fighting the sadness not only for yourself, but your husband and kids and mom this time of year AND keep things normal is unreal. And I am So.Not.A.Superwoman.

But Christmas is about our Savior's birth, family and love. And we're trying to concentrate on that. We are reminiscing and loving each other and trying to find simple joys this season. And we KNOW that's the gift of Christ's birth gives us assurance of being with these loved ones again. And that is a peace you can feel and hold onto.

I keep thinking about this verse. I shared it with the kids when trying to explain that when you love Jesus with all your heart, you rejoice in the day you can go home. Our real home in Heaven. And Meme and Jerry are rejoicing, and we should try to not be so sad.

For we live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away

from the body and at home with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:7-8 NIV

Have the most blessed Christmas season! I hope you spend it with people you love, and if you aren't able, adopt someone! I will in the meantime get myself back together and see you back here in the New Year with new palettes!

11.15.2016

Hello hello! November is flying by, I can't believe next week is Thanksgiving! The kids are out the entire week for the holiday, so this challenge will run for two weeks! I know the ladies here will enjoy a week off, they put so much amazing work into their samples each week - they deserve it!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

My grandmother had surgery today, and is doing okay. My FIL is having surgery tomorrow. Any prayer warriors out there? I would be so honored and blessed for you to lift them up!

ENTRY DEADLINE is (2 WHOLE WEEKS AWAY!!!) MONDAY, November 28th at 12 midnight CST, to be considered for colourQueen! You must be linked before the deadline to be in the running for colourQueen, but if you miss it, you are welcome to leave your link in the comments!

PLEASE use the palette provided for your project!

You'll notice that a few of our designers use colors similar to the SU! colors listed in the palettes - just try to keep it close!

Please display our palette badge, but at the VERY least, you MUST put a link in your post back to this challenge~ Thank you!

Using InLinkz, link to the actual post/gallery page your project is in, and select the thumbnail image of your project. Any mis-linked entries are subject to deletion, but I'll try to let you know if there's a problem!

*** Just so you know, InLinkz is not fool-proof, some of you may not be able to post the thumbnail of your card... if not, link your profile picture. But if you CAN post the thumbnail of your card, please do! If I have time I will go back & 'fix' the Inlinkz for those of you who cannot get your project thumbnail to post, oky-doky? If I do "fix" it for you, your thumbnail may be moved to a different position on the entry list ***

11.09.2016

Ahhhh, the election is over. It is an honor, certainly, but we all bear pain as candidates rip into each other, so I am glad that is over. Heck - I even had someone come into my yard to deface a political sign, and also write curse words in the dust on my mom van. (Sadly, Alex immediately got to work at decoding them. ) I know at least half the nation is disappointed, that same half was elated 4 and 8 years ago. Those rejoicing tonight, were shocked and defeated 4 and 8 years ago. We've all survived, and will continue to - God willing!

ENTRY DEADLINE is MONDAY, November 14th at 12 midnight CST, to be considered for colourQueen! You must be linked before the deadline to be in the running for colourQueen, but if you miss it, you are welcome to leave your link in the comments!

PLEASE use the palette provided for your project!

You'll notice that a few of our designers use colors similar to the SU! colors listed in the palettes - just try to keep it close!

Please display our palette badge, but at the VERY least, you MUST put a link in your post back to this challenge~ Thank you!

Using InLinkz, link to the actual post/gallery page your project is in, and select the thumbnail image of your project. Any mis-linked entries are subject to deletion, but I'll try to let you know if there's a problem!

*** Just so you know, InLinkz is not fool-proof, some of you may not be able to post the thumbnail of your card... if not, link your profile picture. But if you CAN post the thumbnail of your card, please do! If I have time I will go back & 'fix' the Inlinkz for those of you who cannot get your project thumbnail to post, oky-doky? If I do "fix" it for you, your thumbnail may be moved to a different position on the entry list ***